The coolest sprite work?

[TamagotchiTamaHero24's icon TamagotchiTamaHero24 TamagotchiTamaHero24]

RayForce is a true beauty among sprite scaling shmups. Starting around 4:00 into this video, the second level is an absolutely fantastic showcase of all that. The space battle above the corrupted Earth is one of the best examples of depth in a shooter EVER. Yes, even including ones made with 3D models. It’s gorgeous.

 

[Turbo Kid]

SNK animations man

The ever badass Zero

More Darkstalkers love

Weaponlord

Kunoichi

 

[resketreke]

Breath of Fire IV has incredible sprite work
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[TamagotchiTamaHero24's icon TamagotchiTamaHero24 TamagotchiTamaHero24]

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I love the use of color on so many sprites by Capcom. Bold color usage and strong light and shadow contrast make for some truly incredible looking animations.

 

[Turbo Kid]

Steel Assault

Neon Inferno

Batman Returns - SNES

 

[MajesticSiN]

My personal favorite are in the Metal Slug series.